The Black Hawk College East Campus community completed its best-ever fundraising campaign for the Kewanee Area United Way, generating a $10,760 contribution. This is the 18th consecutive year that the college community has increased its giving.

“The agencies of the United Way really connect our community,” said Paula Luft, United Way Team member.

“At the college we see it. We all seem to know of students or people in the community who benefit from United Way services. When our campaign starts, all parts of the college come together to raise funds and make generous donations.”

There were lots of student-supported fundraising activities including an Equine Speed Show, Trick-or-Treat Trail pictures, Casual Day and the Science Club’s Halloween Dance.

Nature’s Creations and Teresa’s Tasty Produce donated pumpkins for this year’s Stampede Auction of Championship Pumpkins. Groups making donations or sponsoring fundraiser’s included the BHC Ag/Auto Mechanics Club, the BHC Equine Program, BHC ag alumni, BHC ag production students, Agrigold Genetics, board members of the BHC East Foundation, the East Campus chapter of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, the BHC Liberal Arts and Science Department, the East Campus men’s and women’s basketball programs, two college unions – IFT and UAW.

“The Black Hawk College community is motivated because the United Way is important to students and is a part of the values being taught,” said David Harris, United Way Team co-chair.

“Caring and compassion and responsibility to serve others are core values for Black Hawk College. This is one way we teach and provide leadership on those values.

“Students learn they can make a difference, and we hope they will practice this for the rest of their lives, no matter where they go,” he said.